Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-01-07

two hundred dollars year.
Some months have passed away since
then. Kind Uncle Fred, that he ever is,
has just appeared in the large, old-fash-
toned hall, and is assisting miss Jose
phine" in putting on her cloak previous
to taking her departure for home. He,
and "Sister Polly" also, are both made
of good stuff, and folks say, and
Heaven bless them for it!-only wish to
make her feel at home with them.
And for the reason, therefore, it seems
that Uncle Fred not only, on this spec
ial evening, escorts her to the hall door,
but also short distance on the road to-
ward home.
AS he says, the evening is so lovely,
and the balmy outer air will do him
good.
She is telling him why, she does not
exactly know--something about their
troubles at home since dear father"
died.
'In fact, you know" went on "Miss
Josephine" quite simply. che had not
even penny left in the house. 1t was
too dreadful, sir"
She paused moment; then went on,
in the least degree nervously:
"Shall l tell you what didl'
ayes"
IL advertised, then, in the country pa
per-don't be shocked, please. At any
rate, did it for the best-whether right
or wrong, don't quite know"
eco on"
'Tmerely said, then, that widow and
her daughters--all born to better things,
as it had seemed were suddenly thrown
into the lowest depths of poverty-and
asked for help"
Uncle Fred gave a sort of slight ner-
vous start at this moment, but "Miss Jo-
sephine' did not notice it, She was
thinking only at that instant of the ter.
riblc struggle which had urged her to
take such step as that which she was
now describing.
"And the result9" he asked, quietly.
"What was it,"
"No answer came" she returned,
grayely, but earnestly "Possib y those
who read the words did not believe in
their truth; or possibly some did so who
were not in position to aid us"
Il see" and Un"lc Fred spoke now
as ii dreamily "Thercl must leave
you, Miss Josephine. Very sorry for it
very sorry, indeed. Have just suddenly
remembered something. You'll excuse
my running away thus abruptly; won
you? Will be a trihe more coarteou
next time. Horribly hard hearted of thu
people; wasn't it, Miss Josephinc" AnC
thus talking glibly-as If, too. he did no
exact y know what he was saying-Un neil
Fred lifted his hat AMI disap cared.
The following Thursday morning. jus
as "Miss Josephine was starting for he
usual daily occup ton, letter wa
placed in her hand by the postman; afte
reading which, that young lady marched
deliberately upstairs again, removed he
hat and cloak, cha I'd away with he
peck handkerchief great many tear
that for some reason or other would in
sist upon pouring down her cheeks, an,
then set to work ty to re read the follow
ing words:
DEAR MISS JosEPINE: Pardon my abruI
leave-taking yesterday; but l will now e.
plan. Returning home expressly by way {
the post-office, did a small stroke of bus
ness there on my own account.
'Miss Elsie Falconbridge was ont, havin
gone to spend the evening with the widowed
and alas now chidless mother, Of her ono
and so lately too, sailor lover. We hav
however, already spoken together--you an
I-of this unlooked-for event, and also of tt
brave way in which Miss Elsie bears I'll
. heavy blow.
'But would now speak OF somethir
else-so selfish are we all in this world, yo
see. persuaded the good dame Janet LIE
lie, to assist mo in something which we
puZzling me not little,
~ heard last evening for the first time,
l course-and also from your own lips, mo
t strange to say-that a twenty-dollar not